New Spin on Read Across America Day Features Students Reading to Teachers at Elementary Schools

As has been the case for the past several days, large crowds gathered at Johnson and Simpson elementary schools Monday morning. This time, all eyes and ears were on the students. At each school, elementary students took part in a very unique Read Across America event.

On the heels of the nationally observed Read Across America/Dr. Seuss Day, students took the liberty of reading the works of the famed children's author to their teachers. At both schools, a common book was “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.”

“We did it to support our teachers,” said Simpson Elementary fifth grader Carson Curry.

Curry was among students who took a turn reading to the teachers and others who gathered. The encouraging words of the books by Theodor Seuss Geisel are ideal for showing the educators what they mean to the students, said fifth grader Michael Romano.

“Our teachers are important to us because basically they are shaping the next generation,” he said.

Sarah Dodson of Simpson Elementary PTA said it is important to show the teachers that not only do parents support them, but also their students.

“Plus, it gives the teachers a little boost because they haven’t seen their students in a while,” she said.

The teachers appreciated it very much, said SES educator Matt McCullough

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“Having our kids with us is the greatest sign of support we can have,” he said. “Several teachers were emotional because they don’t view the students as just students, instead they are ‘their kids.’”

Some SES teachers who had planned on going to Charleston to have a presence at the state capitol during today’s legislative session stayed behind.

“When they found out the kids were coming, they chose to stay,” McCullough said.

After the readings concluded, teachers and students spent some time visiting. Participating students were awarded certificates. There was even some interaction with Dr. Seuss characters, The Grinch and Thing 1.

A similar scene took place at Johnson Elementary School where young students took turns reading the pages of “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.”

Johnson Elementary Principal Vicky Huffman said the importance of today’s events are two-fold, giving students a unique learning experience and nurturing the bond between teachers and students; one that was created at the beginning of the school year.

Johnson Elementary PTA President Belynda Kirby headed up the event at the school, but she said it was not her idea.

“Someone in Marshall County had posted on Facebook how cool it would be if all the kids came out to read,” she said. “Teresa Lunsford (of Simpson Elementary PTA) shared it on the Parents of Harrison County Facebook page and schools came on board.”

After JES students read, they presented their teachers with cards. There were hugs all around.

Top two photos were taken at Simpson Elementary; bottom two at Johnson Elementary. Watch Connect-Bridgeport for several more photos from today's events.